Visitor visas and travel authorizations for tourism, business, family visits, compassionate reasons and more. Start your visitor application with clear guidance from Chugo Immigration Services.
A visitor visa (temporary resident visa) is an official document that is placed in your passport to show that you meet the requirements to travel to Canada. Depending on the visa officer’s discretion, a visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry and can be valid for up to 10 years or until the expiry of your passport/biometrics.
Most travelers require either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) depending on nationality, travel document, and how they travel to Canada. Some travelers transiting through Canada also need a visitor visa.
Most visitors can stay up to 6 months in Canada. Border services officers may stamp your passport with a different expiry date or provide a visitor record. Super Visa holders entering after June 22, 2023 may be allowed up to 5 years per entry (where applicable).
Note: Some applicants may require additional screening or be found inadmissible for reasons such as criminality, security, or prior immigration violations.
What it is: ETA is an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers arriving to Canada by air. It’s electronically linked to your passport.
General requirements:
Supporting documents:
How to apply: Apply online on the IRCC site. The ETA is usually issued quickly but check your email and ensure passport details are correct.
What it is: The standard visitor visa for tourism, visiting family, or short stays. Issued as single-entry or multiple-entry.
General requirements:
Supporting documents:
Processing: Apply online via IRCC. Processing times vary by country—check IRCC processing pages.
What it is: For short business activities (meetings, conferences, site visits). Business visitors do not enter the Canadian labour market.
General requirements:
Supporting documents:
Examples: Attending a conference, negotiating a contract, meeting Canadian clients.
What it is: This category covers visitors who are related to someone in Canada who has sponsored them for PR (spouse/partner). Additional scrutiny may apply to ensure intent is temporary.
General requirements:
Supporting documents:
Tip: Be transparent about your sponsorship status; concealment can lead to refusal or inadmissibility concerns.
What it is: Visiting relatives living in Canada for short stays (holidays, family events).
General requirements:
Supporting documents:
What it is: A long-term multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Allows stays up to 5 years per entry (where applicable).
General requirements:
Supporting documents:
Note: Super Visa applicants must show they meet all conditions including insurance and financial support requirements.
What it is: Short-term entry for urgent compassionate reasons (e.g., serious illness, death in the family).
General requirements:
Supporting documents:
Processing can sometimes be expedited but depend on documentation and case circumstances. Contact an RCIC for urgent support.
An invitation letter can strengthen visitor visa applications when visiting family, attending conferences, or meeting business partners. The inviting person in Canada should include:
Notarization is not required by IRCC but some visa offices request additional certification. Always include copies of documents proving the inviter’s status in Canada.
Having the correct documents on arrival helps the border services officer confirm your identity and the purpose of your visit. Bring:
If arriving at an airport with kiosks, ask a border services officer for a passport stamp if you want a physical record of your admission and length of stay.
At the port of entry a border services officer will:
If you provide false or incomplete information, you may be refused entry. Be truthful and keep supporting documents accessible to show when asked.
Begin your visa application on the official IRCC website or reach out to Chugo Immigration Services for professional assistance. We help with document checklists, invitation letters, and fully completing the application for submission.
Chugo Immigration Services (RCIC) provides full application support — from document checklists and invitation letters to submission and follow-up. We help reduce delays and increase the chance of approval.
Ready to start or have questions? Use your preferred method:
Our experienced team of immigration professionals, along with highly knowledgeable staff, is here to assist you with Business Immigration, Express Entry & PR Applications, Family & Spousal Sponsorship, Work & Study Permits, Visitor & Super Visas, Canadian Citizenship & Status Extensions.